Hyderabad, namely the city of Pearls, is a charming amalgam of ancient heritage, great street food, and contemporary City life. Every Hyderabadi craves the fresh air, expansive highways, and the exhilaration of speeding down the highway after a week filled with traffic jams and work chaos. What is much more satisfying than a road trip where you have complete control?

Self-drive cars give you independence to escape the city any time you feel like it—no set schedules or orders from cabbies, no compromises. Hyderabad serves as the ideal base for unforgettable journeys, whether you are planning to travel to the misty hills of Ananthagiri, check out heritage towns like Bidar or make a weekend getaway to Hampi.

Why Choose a Self-Drive Car?

A trip can be an adventure when you have your own wheels. Here is why:

Freedom to make detours – See a beautiful trail or an unanticipated food place? Simply stop. No questions asked.

Zero awkwardness – No stranger-driver listening to your car karaoke.

Travel at your pace – Want to enjoy your travels at your own personal pace, patiently awaiting the perfect sunset photograph? Do it.

Unfiltered memories – Take pleasure in unfiltered memories such as Roadside chai, random selfies, or stargazing pauses.

Quick Glance: Best Road Trips from Hyderabad

Are you looking for a quick overview of Hyderabad’s top destinations for long drives? Here is a brief overview of the most popular locations, their distances, and the best times to go:

Destination	Distance (Approx.)	Ideal Drive Time	Best Time to Visit
Nagarjuna Sagar	165 km	3–4 hours	October – March
Warangal	150 km	3–3.5 hours	November – February
Bidar (Karnataka)	140 km	3 hours	August – March
Srisailam	220 km	4–5 hours	September – February
Ananthagiri Hills	80 km	2 hours	August – February
Hampi (Karnataka)	380 km	7–8 hours	October – February
Gulbarga	230 km	4–5 hours	October – March
Kurnool	215 km	4–5 hours	October – March
Nizamabad	175 km	3–4 hours	August – February
Karimnagar	165 km	3–3.5 hours	September – March

Best Road Trips from Hyderabad

1. Nagarjuna Sagar

If you’re craving a quick nature escape on a weekend, this place is a peaceful drive away. Among the best places for a long drive from Hyderabad, it’s perfect for quiet mornings and cool breezes.

Distance: ~165 km | Drive Time: (~3–4 hours via NH65/ORR/Ibrahimpatnam)

Best Season: October to March for mild weather; monsoon (July–September) offers dramatic dam gates release and lush landscapes, but road caution is advised

Route:Hyderabad → Malkapur → Nagarjuna Sagar (via NH65 & NH167)

Why Go: A boat ride on the expansive backwaters, the tranquil Ethipothala Falls, and the gorgeous Nagarjuna Sagar Dam supply a rejuvenating escape for nature lovers.

2. Warangal

Want a break from the city without going too far? This historic town gives a perfect mix of old charm and scenic drive. It ranks high among the best road trips from Hyderabad and is a must-visit for those seeking short heritage getaways.

Distance: ~150 km | Drive Time: (~3–3.5 hours via NH163)

Best Season: November to February for comfortable sightseeing; winter evenings are ideal for ancient temple visits

Route: Hyderabad → Bhongir → Warangal (via NH163)

Why Go: Explore yesteryear at Warangal Fort, ingest the attractiveness of the 1000 Pillar Temple, or perhaps unwind by the tranquil Pakhal Lake.

3. Bidar (Karnataka)

This is one of those lesser-known gems that surprises you with its richness and calm vibe. For history enthusiasts, it’s also among the best places for a long drive from Hyderabad to explore something new.

Distance: ~140 km | Drive Time:  (~3 hours via NH65)

Best Season: August to March pleasant winter months) or post-monsoon (lush greenery, while the roads are damper)

Route: Hyderabad → Zaheerabad → Bidar (via NH65)

Why Go: The gorgeous Bidar Fort, the revered Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, and the royal Bahmani tombs are a history buff’s paradise.

4. Srisailam

If you’re up for a slightly longer but refreshing journey, this trip offers peaceful roads, forest views, and a bit of thrill. It’s easily one of the best road trips for anyone looking for something more than just a regular drive. 

Distance: ~220 km | Drive Time: (~4–5 hours via NH765)

Best Season: September to February; cool forest roads and Krishna River views; monsoon post-gates adds drama, but slippery roads are possible

Route: Hyderabad → Kalwakurthy → Srisailam (via NH765)

Why Go: A mix of spirituality and adventure – visit Srisailam Temple, walk up a ropeway ride over the Krishna River, and also take the gorgeous forest drive.

5. Ananthagiri Hills

This one’s perfect if you’re just starting to explore road trips. Not too far, easy to reach, and offers a great break from the city buzz. It stands out among the best road trips from Hyderabad for beginners.

Distance: ~80 km | Drive Time: (~2 hours via NH163 / Chevella Road)

Best Season: August to February

Route: Hyderabad → Vikarabad → Ananthagiri (via NH163)

Why Go: A simple and quick trip into the outside – think of the misty hills, restful hiking trails, and Haritha Valley Resort. Birthplace of the Musi River, home to Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, coffee plantations, trekking trails, lush forests and reservoir views; perfect for serene nature escapes.

6. Hampi (Karnataka)

For those who don’t mind a bit of a drive, this destination is truly worth the hours on the road. A solid choice for folks who love scenic, laid-back drives among the best long drive places from Hyderabad.

Distance: ~380 km | Drive Time: 7-8 hours

Best Season: October to February

Route: Hyderabad → Raichur → Hampi (via NH167 & NH50)

Why Go: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage ruins, visit the amazing Virupaksha Temple, and also stay in awe of the unconventional scenery dotted with boulders.

7. Gulbarga (Kalaburagi)

Not many people think of this place first, but that’s what makes it special. It’s among the best road trips if you want a new place without tourist rush. It’s one of the best places for a long drive from Hyderabad to enjoy some quiet time and explore unique heritage spots.

Distance: ~230 km | Drive Time: 4 – 5 hours

Best Season: October to March

Route: Hyderabad → Zaheerabad → Gulbarga (via NH65 & NH150)

Why Go: Visit the Gulbarga Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandrampalli Dam, which are famous for their Indo-Islamic charm and are perfect for an uncommon heritage experience.

8. Kurnool

Perfect for explorers who like caves, rocks, and something a little offbeat. If you want an experience that’s not just scenic but also different, this is one of the best road trips from Hyderabad. 

Distance: ~215 km | Drive Time: 4-5 hours

Best Season: October to March

Route: Hyderabad → Jadcherla → Kurnool (via NH44)

Why Go: The interesting Belum Caves, India’s second largest cave system, the Oravakallu Rock Garden, and Konda Reddy Fort are both accessible from the Rayalaseema gateway.

9. Nizamabad

This is a calm town where you won’t find too many tourists, which makes it even better. It’s one of the best road trips from Hyderabad if you’re looking for a no-rush kind of day. Quiet, simple, and peaceful — just how the best long drives in Hyderabad should be.

Distance: ~175 km | Drive Time: 3-4 hours

Best Season: August to February

Route: Hyderabad → Kamareddy → Nizamabad (via NH44)

Why Go: With the Nizamabad Fort, Dichpally Temple, and Ali Sagar Lake, this concealed gem is ideal for a leisurely road excursion.

10. Karimnagar

This place is great for quick breaks with family. You get greenery, water, and some nice temples without spending too much time on the road. It’s one of the best road trips from Hyderabad, especially for casual outings.

Distance: ~165 km | Drive Time: 3- 3.5 hours

Best Season: September to March

Route: Hyderabad → Siddipet → Karimnagar (via NH563)

Why Go: An enjoyable, family-friendly place for a fast, restorative getaway, which has Deer Park, Vemulawada Temple, and the Lower Manair Dam.

Planning Your Zoomcar Trip

Choose your vehicle carefully: Sedans are ideal for smooth highways, while SUVs are excellent for rocky roads and ghats.

Make a reservation for your Zoomcar in advance, particularly for long weekends.

Benefits of FastTag: Bid farewell to lengthy toll lines.

Establish your vibe: On an open road, nothing sets the mood like great music, so bring snacks, a power bank, and an amazing playlist.

Conclusion

Road trips tend to be a journey of little delights—a random chai stop, a picturesque sunset by the roadside or that secluded dhaba serving the most delicious parathas. With its central location, Hyderabad is an ideal base for experiencing these kinds of things—from the cool breeze of Ananthagiri Hills to the historic splendour of Hampi.

A self-driving vehicle takes you beyond just from Point A to Point B. You are creating your stories, memories and moments on your terms. Pack your belongings, roll down the windows and let the road determine where to head next.

You’ve got the plan. We’ve got the car.

Zoomcar is a lot more than a leasing service; it is how Hyderabadis transform a routine weekend into an unforgettable experience. So, give up the waiting and rent a self-drive car to discover these top long-drive locations in Hyderabad on your own terms.

Hit the Road from Hyderabad – Book Your Self-Drive Trip Now!

FAQs

1. What is the ideal weekend road trip from Hyderabad?

For a quick weekend getaway, Ananthagiri Hills is ideal. It is only 80 km away and provides peaceful views, trekking trails, and an abundance of greenery, making it a perfect one-day drive.

2. Which road trips from Hyderabad are the most picturesque?

The most popular destinations for scenic drives are Srisailam and Hampi. While Hampi’s boulder-strewn landscapes provide a singular visual experience, the route to Srisailam via dense forests and ghats is breathtaking.

3. How secure is it to drive a self-driving car on these roads?

Every route listed is well-travelled and reasonably secure. But make sure your vehicle is in good condition, stay away from late-night trips on less-travelled routes, and always abide by the traffic laws.

4. Which locations in Hyderabad are ideal for a trip lasting three to four days?

Among the best long-drive places from Hyderabad, Hampi, Goa, and Kurnool are excellent choices. Goa’s beaches and Hampi’s historical sites provide the ideal balance of leisure and culture.